Project: What Would Barbara Corcoran Say?

They all want her money – at least the little fish swimming in the tank with big Sharks do. Even if they would like to have their pick of Sharks, they need an any investor because their big idea turned into a budding business. However, it took off before they could keep up. So the aspiring entrepreneurs who have caught the eyes and bank accounts of the Sharks have a lot for which to be thankful. But it’s not just wealth that they need to bank. Because it’s not just what you do with money, it’s how you do it. Behind every Shark’s dollar, are days of hard work and mental acuity that built their empire.

Wouldn’t you like to bank a little of that wealth too?

Sharp, witty, wise and an established entrepreneur, Barbara isn’t just worth $80 million. She has much to say about life. As a mom, businesswoman, investor, television personality, speaker, investor, consultant, syndicated columnist and author she has learned the art of when to talk and when to listen. But most of all, she knows business and she means business.

And she wants to pass that wealth of knowledge on to us:

• In business, you're the Chief Salesman. Create a sense of demand, rather than waiting to have demand.

• Taking chances almost always makes for happy endings.

• There’s no better motivation in the world than someone that insults you.

• Don’t you dare underestimate the power of your own instinct.

• Finding opportunity is a matter of believing it’s there

• My best successes came on the heels of failures.

• The difference between successful people and others is how long they feel sorry for themselves.

• You can’t fake passion.

Have you found your passion? How are you pursuing it? When you need a little pep in your step, think: What would Barbara Corcoran Say?

-The Green Couch

Project: Lori Greiner, The Shark Tank’s Chickstarter

Lori Greiner. A pretty simple name to remember. But over the years she’s acquired several more, earning a reputation as 1) Inventor, 2) Entrepreneur, 3) The Queen of QVC, 4) The Warm Blooded Shark and recently she divulged her secret power while on ABC. While many people turn to Kickstarter, people turn to her as The Chickstarter.

It is not hundreds, it is not thousands, it is millions of dollars of success that she can accredit to her name and to those with which she partners. Her formula?

Communication.

Passion.

Dedication.

And the inability to hear the word “No.”

While it is true a large percentage of people cannot say the word “No,” she will not hear the word “No.”

We’ve witnessed her saying, “And for that reason I am going to pass.”  In other words, NO!

However, the year she made her first millions, she did not back down; she did not stop. She was the whirlwind that defined Chicago as the windy city.

So sometimes that is what we have to do. We have to take the world by storm if we want to introduce our peers to our product and ideas. Neither they nor we may be ready for the turnout, but no is not an option.

Moreover, if we want to create a new name for ourselves, to always elevate our identity as an entrepreneur and add layers to our life, we need to speak with passion. Live with dedication and cultivate the ability to never hear the word, “No.”

Can you speak Shark Tank? What’s in your life that you are “…going to pass,” so you can pursue your real passion? Are people saying, “No” to you in life, when you know it is a “Yes”?

It is time to Chickstart your life!

-The Green Couch